By Erin Sorensenn
What a wild ride it has been. It's hard to believe that Nebraska’s season comes to an end today. Before it does, the Huskers have the potential to set up the off-season on a strong note. A win could positively affect recruiting and make life a little easier going into spring ball. What will it take for Nebraska to seal up a win against South Carolina?
1. Contain Connor Shaw
South Carolina's quarterback is going to provide a big challenge for the Nebraska defense. A dual-threat athlete, the Huskers will need to contain Shaw early and force him to put the ball in the air. His confidence will also be an obstacle for the Nebraska defense as the quarterback has settled in nicely to his role after Stephen Garcia was removed from the team.
The Cornhuskers will have their hands full with Shaw, so look for the defensive line to put pressure on him to throw. While a good passer, his legs are of bigger concern. If Nebraska can force the ball in the air, Alfonzo Dennard can take care of the rest.
Dennard will be matched up against Gamecock star wide receiver Alshon Jeffrey, who Shaw is guaranteed to be looking to frequently. If the Huskers can force this situation, Dennard should have no issue shutting Jeffrey down like he did Iowa's Marvin McNutt. A lot will rest on the back of the defensive line. If the Blackshirts of the Michigan State game can show up by kickoff, things will be looking up.
2. Rex Burkhead, Rex Burkhead, Rex Burkhead (with a cameo of the younger backs)
Here’s hoping Burkhead got plenty of rest over the last month, because his legs are going to be put to the test today. With South Carolina's outstanding secondary, trusting quarterback Taylor Martinez to throw often is a poor gameplan. The ball will be in Burkhead's hands more often than not and the junior I-Back will need to power through.
Nebraska's offensive line will be relied on heavily to help Burkhead be successful. Yoshi Hardrick and Marcel Jones have both had stellar games and less than perfect ones, but they will need to be as close to perfect as possible against the Gamecocks. Holding blocks will be imperative, as South Carolina defensive end Jadeveon Clowney will do anything he can to get to Martinez and Burkhead.
However, running Burkhead into the ground isn't ideal, so expect to see brief appearances by the younger running backs. Their time with the ball will be short-lived, but enough to rest Burkhead before pounding the ball into the USC defensive line even more.
3. The Results of Team Preparation
Head coach Bo Pelini promised Husker fans in yesterday's pep rally that they would be proud of what they see on the field today. Hopefully the coach is right, as expectations are high. The Huskers have had a full week to prepare in Orlando, taking yesterday off to rest up before the big game. Practices were reported as "good," but no one will know for sure until it is seen on the field.
Nebraska was unprepared for Northwestern. A loss that should not have happened, the Huskers learned a great deal by what happens when preparation is not there. It has been an interesting month with coaching changes, but fans should expect to see a focused Pelini-led team. Anything less and South Carolina will take advantage of the holes while running away with the game.
4. Lavonte David's Finest Hour
Lavonte David is walking into today's game with 122 tackles, an impressive feat for a linebacker that is being touted as a potential early-round draft pick. For David, the Capital One Bowl is a final chance to prove his value before the NFL Combine. A strong showing and David does nothing but improve his stock for the 2012 NFL Draft.
South Carolina will try to take advantage of David's weak side and keep him from moving around the field quite as much, but he’s tough to contain. Expect to see David helping to stop the strong South Carolina receivers when necessary, while also holding down the defensive line when possible. David might be dead tired by the end of this game, but he won't show it.
5. Confidence by Taylor Martinez
Martinez needs a Michigan State-style performance today, not a Michigan repeat. This will require confidence, as well as support from his team. He’s has had a rough season, but when confidence is there, good things do happen.
He needs to execute like he never has before. The Gamecock secondary will put even more pressure on his passing, which has potential for problems. If Martinez can keep a level head, he should be able to overcome many problems. It's ultimately about focus. How he handles the pressure will be very telling.
Will the 2011 season end on a good or bad note for Nebraska? We’ll know soon enough.
Follow Erin on Twitter: @helloerinmarie
Follow Husker Locker on Twitter: @huskerlocker
Like us on Facebook: Official Husker Locker Page
Permanent Link to this Blog Post